Watch Geelong’s bollards come to life

Fun on the Geelong Waterfront will reach new heights these school holidays, with a new mobile app set to bring the iconic coastal bollards to life.

By downloading Activate Geelong in the App Store or Google Play, people can see and engage in the unique stories of the bollards at six sites as they move, sing and dance.

Activated sites include the Volunteer Rifle Band next to the carousel, Bathing Beauties at Eastern Beach, the Sea Captain, Steam Captain Sailor and Woman at the end of Cunningham Pier, the Yacht Club Lady and Town Bath Swimmers’ Club Lifesavers at the end of Bellarine Street.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine drove the initiative and saw the opportunity to deliver a memorable experience through art and technology fusion.

Geelong’s bollards have been a beloved icon of the waterfront precinct for more than 20 years. Each one represents a significant character or piece of local history.

Augmented reality brings the static bollards to life, presents historically accurate information and creative stories about who they are and why they are significant.

“Activate Geelong takes the bollard trail beyond a quirky selfie opportunity to a genuinely engaging visitor experience that is rich with the stories and history of Geelong,” Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine executive director Brett Ince said.

The project was funded through the Victorian Government’s Regional Events and Innovation Fund via Visit Victoria and received $100,000.